Lillian Ironheart-Smith

Lillian was born in Granite Falls on March 27, 1936, the daughter of Herbert & Bessie Ironheart. She was later united in marriage to Michael Smith who was a professor at South West in Marshall. Lillian was a priest for Upper Sioux for many years. She later became a treatment counselor for Project Turnabout. She also served as the first woman chairman for the Upper Sioux Board of Trustees, where she helped the community thrive in many ways. During her years representing the Board, along with other board members, they followed Stanley Crooks recommendation of building a casino on reservation land, because it is a sovereign nation. When the next election came up she lost by one vote, because she voted against herself. She believed no good leader voted for themselves. She never believed she was better than the next. Lillian and her husband supported AIM by gathering food and clothing from the city of Marshall and drove it up to Leonard Crowdon’s camp to bring the Wounded Knee. She retired to take care of her grandson Gage Smith. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and telling them many stories of her life. She later made her home with her grandson Gage and fiancé Ginni.
Lillian Ironheart-Smith, of Granite Falls took her journey to the spirit world on June 24, 2016, “Indian Victory Day”. She was 80 years of age. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bessie & Herbert Ironheart, son Michael R. Smith, 5 sisters and 3 brothers. She will be sadly missed by daughter LaDonna Ironheart of Montevideo, sister Marlys Ironheart of Granite Falls, grandsons: Gage Smith of Granite Falls, Dylan Smith of Montevideo, Morgan Ironheart of Montevideo, granddaughters Kayla Hall of Mankato, Demi Smith of Montevideo, 4 great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.